Self-Guided Elaia to Nafplio: East Coast Peloponnese Bike Tour

This self-guided cycling tour explores the stunning east coast of the Peloponnese, taking riders from the quiet seaside village of Elaia to the historic town of Nafplio over eight days. Designed for travelers who enjoy independence with well-organized support, the itinerary combines scenic coastal roads, peaceful mountain sections, and culturally rich towns.

Over six cycling stages, riders pass through places like Neapoli, Monemvasia, Kyparissi, Leonidio, and Paralio Astros, experiencing a mix of rolling terrain, rewarding climbs, and relaxed seaside stretches. Each day balances time on the bike with opportunities to swim, explore old towns, and enjoy local food.

Comfortable hotels with local character are prearranged, breakfast is included daily, and luggage is transferred from one stop to the next so riders can focus fully on the journey. With detailed GPS routes and airport transfers included, this tour offers a smooth and immersive way to experience one of Greece’s most beautiful cycling regions at your own pace.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Elaia

Finish

Nafplio

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

49 km / 30 mi

Cycling Days

6

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 14

Fly-In

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)

Fly-Out

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)

Highlights

Highlight Image

Scenic Coastal Riding

Much of the route follows the eastern coastline of the Peloponnese, offering long stretches of riding beside the sea. Quiet roads, small fishing villages, and frequent opportunities for swim stops and café breaks make the cycling both scenic and relaxed.

Highlight Image

Medieval Towns and Living History

The itinerary includes culturally rich stops, most notably Monemvasia, a dramatic medieval town built on a rock rising from the sea.

Highlight Image

Relaxed Finish in Nafplio

The tour concludes in Nafplio, one of Greece’s most charming towns, known for its waterfront promenade, historic architecture, and lively atmosphere.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Elaia

Your journey begins with arrival at Athens International Airport (ATH). Upon landing, you will be met and transferred by pre-arranged shuttle to the seaside village of Elaia, located on the southern coast of the Peloponnese. The transfer allows time to relax after travel and take in your first views of the Greek countryside.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure. You may choose to unwind by the sea, explore the village, or prepare your bicycle and equipment for the days ahead. An optional introductory ride from Gytheio to Elaia can be arranged in advance for those wishing to stretch their legs.

Meals:
Itinerary Image

Day 2: Neapoli

The first cycling stage introduces the rhythm of the tour with a scenic ride along the Laconian Gulf. The route combines quiet coastal roads with gently rolling terrain and a notable climb that adds challenge without being overwhelming. The reward comes in the form of sweeping sea views and fast descents.

Along the way, riders may opt to visit Elafonisos Island by ferry, famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. The day concludes in Neapoli, a lively harbor town with cafés, restaurants, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere ideal for recovery after the first full ride.

Elevation gain: 780 m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 70 km / 43 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Limira Mare
Itinerary Image

Day 3: Monemvasia

Today’s shorter stage follows a stunning stretch of coastline, making it ideal for a relaxed pace and frequent photo stops. The road gently rises and falls as it hugs the sea, offering uninterrupted views of the Aegean. The ride finishes at Monemvasia, one of Greece’s most remarkable historic towns.

Built on a massive rock connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, Monemvasia feels like a step back in time. The afternoon is free to explore its medieval streets, fortress walls, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the sea.

Elevation gain: 350 m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 27 km / 17 mi
Accommodation: Panorama Hotel
Itinerary Image

Day 4: Kyparissi

Leaving Monemvasia behind, the route heads into more remote and less-traveled terrain. This stage is defined by a longer, steady climb that takes you away from the coast and into a quieter, mountainous landscape. Traffic is minimal, and the sense of isolation adds to the experience.

After reaching the high point, a scenic descent leads down toward the coast and into Kyparissi, a small village set in a peaceful bay beneath the Parnon Mountains. This is one of the most tranquil stops of the tour, perfect for rest and reflection after a demanding ride.

Elevation gain: 990 m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 57 km / 35 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Paraliako
Itinerary Image

Day 5: Leonidio

This is one of the most varied and rewarding days of the tour. The route begins along the coastline before reaching Fokianos Beach, a remote and unspoiled spot with limited facilities, ideal for a swim or quiet break. With minimal phone reception, the area offers a rare sense of disconnection.

The ride then turns inland for a sustained climb, testing endurance before a long descent delivers you into Leonidio. Surrounded by dramatic red cliffs and traditional architecture, Leonidio is one of the most striking towns on the route. An optional additional climb is included in the GPS track for those seeking extra challenge.

Elevation gain: 1,100 m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 55 km / 34 mi
Itinerary Image

Day 6: Paralio Astros

Today’s stage offers a more relaxed pace as the route follows the coastline northward. The terrain is gentler, allowing riders to enjoy the scenery without sustained climbing. Along the way, you pass beaches, open sea views, and small settlements that reflect everyday coastal life in the Peloponnese.

The ride ends in Paralio Astros, a picturesque seaside town with a lively promenade, cafés, and tavernas lining the waterfront. The afternoon is ideal for a swim or a leisurely walk by the sea.

Elevation gain: 610 m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 52 km / 32 mi
Accommodation: Astros Beach Hotel
Itinerary Image

Day 7: Nafplio

The final cycling day continues along the coast toward Nafplio, once the first capital of modern Greece. En route, you pass notable landmarks including an ancient olive tree near Astros and the wetlands outside Nafplio, where flamingos are often seen.

The ride is shorter and celebratory, allowing time to arrive early and explore Nafplio’s historic old town, waterfront promenade, and views of Venetian fortresses overlooking the city.

Elevation gain: 230 m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 31 km / 19 mi
Itinerary Image

Day 8: Nafplio

After breakfast, your self-guided cycling journey comes to an end. A scheduled shuttle transfer takes you from Nafplio back to Athens International Airport, timed to suit standard departure schedules. The transfer offers a final opportunity to reflect on the journey through coastal roads, mountain landscapes, and historic towns of the eastern Peloponnese.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

Airport pickup

Enjoy a hassle-free group airport pickup to start your journey. Available only on the tour start date.

Airport drop

Enjoy a hassle-free group airport drop to finish your journey. Available only on the tour end date.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

SPECIALIZED Crosstrail or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

RIDLEY Fenix C Ultegra or similar

road

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

KREIDLER Vitality Eco 7 Sport CX or similar

ebike

Included in your trip price

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour starts in Elaia. The nearest airport is Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). After landing in Athens, a pre-arranged shuttle transfers you to the hotel.

Departure

The tour ends in Nafplio. After breakfast, a scheduled shuttle transfer you from Nafplio back to Athens International Airport.

Weather

The best weather for cycling this route is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable, roads are quieter, and winds are generally mild. April to June offers daytime temperatures of around 18–26°C (64–79°F), with fresh mornings and lush scenery. September and October are equally ideal, averaging 20–27°C (68–81°F), with warm seas and stable conditions.

Summer months can be challenging due to heat, often reaching 30–35°C (86–95°F), especially on climbs. Winter is cooler and greener but can bring rain and stronger winds, making conditions less predictable for a self-guided tour.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Best

May

Best

June

Good

July

Offseason

August

Offseason

September

Best

October

Best

November

Mixed

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

Reviews from our friends

You may also like


Island Hopping Ionian Bike and Sail Tour
Guided
Mythical East Peloponnese E-Bike Tour
Guided
Untamed South Peloponnese E-Bike Tour
Guided

Guided Untamed South Peloponnese E-Bike Tour

casual+  hotelsmoderate to challenging level

8 daysfrom

Argo-Saronic Gulf Bike Tour
Self-Guided
WhatsApp LogoChat with us on WhatsApp. We’re just a message away.